TREATMENT OF ALCOHOLISM AS A CHRONIC DISORDER

Alcoholism is a common disorder that tends to be chronic and relapsing . Although there is clear evidence that treatment can be expected to i nduce a period of remission or at least decreased symptoms, treatment of alcoholism is generally regarded as unsuccessful. Alcoholism should be approached as a chronic medical disorder such as diabetes or arthr itis. Complete abstinence is the preferred goal, but ''cures'' or perm anent abstinence from alcohol are rate. In this model, treatment benef its may be measured by length of remission, reduction in alcohol use, improvement in health and enhancement of social functioning. Treatment continues over a period of years, mainly on an outpatient basis with increasing intensity if symptoms recur. Medications that reduce cravin g for alcohol or diminish the euphoric effects of alcohol would be ver y helpful in the management of this chronic disorder. Preclinical stud ies have produced evidence for involvement of the endogenous opioid sy stem in the reinforcing effects of alcohol. Recent controlled clinical trials of the opiate receptor antagonist naltrexone suggest that medi cations of this type may improve the results of treatment for alcoholi sm.